London Borough of Hillingdon (21 008 925)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 08-Nov-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council not removing a tree he says has caused damage to his property. The Council has removed the tree, resolving this part of the complaint, and investigation would not achieve a different outcome. Any Council liability for damage to Mr X’s property previously caused by the tree is a matter for the courts. We will not investigate as it is reasonable for Mr X to pursue such a claim in court.

London Borough of Sutton (21 009 690)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 05-Nov-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an overgrown tree blocking light and dropping leaves on to the complainant’s garden. The is because the tree is not on Council land. There is no fault in the Council advising the complainant that this is a civil law matter between the complainant and his neighbour.

City of York Council (21 005 049)

Statement Upheld Trees 05-Nov-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the removal of trees from a local park. This is because the Council has already offered a proportionate remedy and there is not enough significant injustice remaining to justify our investigation.

Wokingham Borough Council (21 008 907)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 04-Nov-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council response to damage to property because there is nothing significant to be achieved by the Ombudsman’s intervention.

Eastleigh Borough Council (21 008 099)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 03-Nov-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with an application to cut down trees. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Suffolk County Council (21 008 045)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 02-Nov-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council will not pay the complainant the full cost of repairing his garden wall. This is because we cannot decide what the Council should pay towards the repairs. Where the amount is disputed, the matter is for the courts to decide. It is therefore reasonable to expect the complainant to go to court to resolve the matter.

North Yorkshire County Council (21 008 133)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 02-Nov-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council failed to properly address the complainant’s concerns regarding a tree which has caused damage to his front wall. This is because it is reasonable for the complainant to submit a claim to the Council’s insurers or the courts if no liability is accepted for any damages.

St Albans City Council (21 008 117)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 01-Nov-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council failed to properly respond to reports of an unsafe tree close to the complainants home. This is because it is unlikely we would find fault by the Council and the complainant has not suffered a significant injustice.

London Borough of Waltham Forest (21 010 112)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 28-Oct-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that Mrs B’s property was damaged due to the Council’s failure to maintain a tree. This is because it is reasonable for Mrs B to pursue her compensation claim by taking the Council to court.

Winchester City Council (21 009 099)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 27-Oct-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to cut back a tree outside the complainant’s property. This is because there is no evidence of fault by the Council to warrant an investigation.